Rosé

/
Clos Cibonne, Rosé Tradition, Côtes de Provence, 2013, $31
Clos Cibonne, Rosé Tradition, Côtes de Provence, 2013, $31

The scent of sea air mingles with wild raspberries and Mediterranean herbs in this compelling rosé made from 90% tibourne, a variety indigenous to Provence's coast.   

Bernard Baudry, Chinon Rosé, Loire, 2016, $20
Bernard Baudry, Chinon Rosé, Loire, 2016, $20

This delicate yet disarmingly complex rosé made from 100% cabernet franc is perfumed with white peach and fresh red fruit. 

Domaine de l'Ile, Rosé, Porquerolles, Côtes de Provence, 2015, $25
Domaine de l'Ile, Rosé, Porquerolles, Côtes de Provence, 2015, $25

A biodynamic salmon-hued wine made from mouvèdre, cincault, grenache and tibouren grown on a tiny island near St. Tropez. It possesses striking weight and structure for a rosé of such elegant restraint. 

Matthiasson Wines, Napa Valley Rosé, 2016, $25
Matthiasson Wines, Napa Valley Rosé, 2016, $25

In this fresh and harmonious rosé composed of grenache, syrah, mouvèdre, and counoise from along California's northern coast, citrus and stone fruit flavors are anchored by a pleasing mineral core. 

Domaine Tempier, Rosé, Bandol, 2005, $37
Domaine Tempier, Rosé, Bandol, 2005, $37

This mouvèdre- based rosé has beautiful structure. Floral on the nose and rich on the palate with flavors of fresh peach, tangerine and white pepper, it is the rare rosé that can be enjoyed young but also evolves with time in the bottle.

Grand Ferrage, Rosé, Côtes de Provence, 2016, $18
Grand Ferrage, Rosé, Côtes de Provence, 2016, $18

A charming, finely wrought rosé made from grenache cinsault, syrah and rolle. Shows flavors of white stone fruit, citrus and a hint of spice. 

Chateau de Trinqueverdel, Tavel Rosé, Rhone, 2014, $18
Chateau de Trinqueverdel, Tavel Rosé, Rhone, 2014, $18

Tavel is the only A.O.C. in France that only permits rosé wines to be produced. This concentrated, balanced blend of grenache, cinsault, clairette, mourvèdre and syrah exults in currants, orange pith, and wild herbs. 

Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Los Caneros, 2016, $32
Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Los Caneros, 2016, $32

An elegant and structured rosé showing delicious fresh red berries, citrus pith and white stone fruit flavors and a long stony finish.

Finca Torremilanos Montecastrillo Rosado, Ribera del Duero, 2016 $10
Finca Torremilanos Montecastrillo Rosado, Ribera del Duero, 2016 $10

Organic tempranillo vines yield this bright and fresh rosado with abundant red fruit and a striking mineral core. 

Catherine & Pierre Breton, La Ritournelle, Rosé, Bourgueil, 2016, $23
Catherine & Pierre Breton, La Ritournelle, Rosé, Bourgueil, 2016, $23

A Ritournelle is a catchy little tune that you can't get out of your head, and certainly an apt name for his floral rosé made from cabernet franc grown in biodynamic vineyards. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation giving the light wine generous body.

Dogliani

/
Dogliani
San Fereolo, Dogliani DOCG, 2008, $31
San Fereolo, Dogliani DOCG, 2008, $31

A finely calibrated Dolcetto with elegant black fruit, structure, intensity and persistence.

San Fereolo, Valdiba, Dogliani DOCG, Piedmont, 2014, $20
San Fereolo, Valdiba, Dogliani DOCG, Piedmont, 2014, $20

This Dolcetto leads with aromas of violets and black berries. It's open fruity character is balanced by fine tannins.

Marziano Abbona, Papa Celso, Dolcetto di Dogliani, Piedmont, 2015, $20
Marziano Abbona, Papa Celso, Dolcetto di Dogliani, Piedmont, 2015, $20

Dark fruit and aromas of cloves and sweet spice dominate this highly structured wine. 

Chionetti, Briccolero, Dogliani DOCG, 2008, $22
Chionetti, Briccolero, Dogliani DOCG, 2008, $22

Plums and mineral flavors stand astride aromas of the forest floor in this pleasing Dogliani. 

Francesco Boschis, Sori San Martino, Dogliani DOCG, 2010, $22
Francesco Boschis, Sori San Martino, Dogliani DOCG, 2010, $22

An opulent and structured Dolcetto with a touch of smoke on the nose and generous textured fruit. 

San Fereolo, Dogliani DOCG, 2003, $36
San Fereolo, Dogliani DOCG, 2003, $36

A standout Dolcetto with black fruit on the palate, soft integrated tannins, long length and a bouquet of crushed flowers, cocoa and spice. 

Poderi di Luigi Einaudi, Dogliani DOCG, 2014, $17
Poderi di Luigi Einaudi, Dogliani DOCG, 2014, $17

Dark fruit with a touch of bitter almond and a generous mouthfeel distinguish this wine. 

Anna Maria Abbona, Sorí dij But, DOCG, 2014, $17
Anna Maria Abbona, Sorí dij But, DOCG, 2014, $17

A fresh Dolcetto of immense intensity produced from old vines planted in a high-altitude site. 

Gillardi, Dogliani DOCG, 2014, $17
Gillardi, Dogliani DOCG, 2014, $17

A charming Dolcetto marked by concentrated red and black fruit, a hint of cocoa, and fine drying tannins.

San Fereolo, Il Provinciale, Langhe Nebbiolo, 2009, $28
San Fereolo, Il Provinciale, Langhe Nebbiolo, 2009, $28

Nebbiolo through the lens of a master Dolcetto producer.  It combines Nebbiolo from vineyards in Dogliani and Serralunga to produce a traditional Piedmontese wine. This Nebbiolo is aromatic with pleasing restrained fruit, integrated tannins and a long mineral finish. 

Champagnes for Caviar

/
Champagnes for Caviar
Pierre Péters, Champagne, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $60
Pierre Péters, Champagne, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $60

A pale gold mouthcoating wine with tiny bubbles, rich texture and aromas of almonds and quince.  

P. Gimonnet et Fils, Champagne Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs, NV, $51
P. Gimonnet et Fils, Champagne Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs, NV, $51

Old-vine chardonnay yields a finely calibrated wine with aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and stone fruit, lovely minerality and a clean finish. 

Larmandier-Bernier, Terre de Vertus, Premier Cru Champagne, NV, $68
Larmandier-Bernier, Terre de Vertus, Premier Cru Champagne, NV, $68

A honeyed nose and gentle mousse lend a touch of grace to this pensive mineral driven Champagne.

Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, 2006, $150
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, 2006, $150

A standout vintage for its combination of concentration and freshness. This Champagne is soft on the palate with complex notes of stone fruits and roasted almonds that persist through the finish.   

Pascal Doquet, Horizon, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, NV, $58
Pascal Doquet, Horizon, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, NV, $58

Floral and harmonious with beautiful clarity and a mineral core.

J.L. Vergnon Brut Grand Cru Conversation Blanc de Blancs, $48
J.L. Vergnon Brut Grand Cru Conversation Blanc de Blancs, $48

Expressive and naturally ripe, this wine shows notes of marzipan and baked apples.   

Duval Leroy, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, 2006, $114
Duval Leroy, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, 2006, $114

A delicious full-bodied wine with abundant vitality and a bouquet of honeysuckle and roasted hazelnuts.  

Georges Laval, Cumieres Premier Cru, Brut Nature, Champagne, NV, $88
Georges Laval, Cumieres Premier Cru, Brut Nature, Champagne, NV, $88

George Laval has been making biodynamic non-interventionist Champagne since 1971. This characterful wine, with a predominantly chardonnay base, is broad and textured on the palate with a long pleasing finish.  

Diebolt-Vallois, Blanc de Blancs, Cramant, NV, $51
Diebolt-Vallois, Blanc de Blancs, Cramant, NV, $51

A rich mouthwatering wine marked by ripe fruit and a chalky backbone.

Pascal Doquet, Grand Cru, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, 2002, $101
Pascal Doquet, Grand Cru, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, 2002, $101

Lacy floral aromas, depth and minerality evocative of a fine Meursault, along with an elegant mousse, make this noteworthy Champagne worth seeking out.     

Bottle Age

/
Bottle Age
Domaine Savoye, Morgon á la Côte du Py, 2001, $70 (magnum)
Domaine Savoye, Morgon á la Côte du Py, 2001, $70 (magnum)

A complex and structured gamay with dark berry and anisette flavors, truffle on the nose and fine drying tannins.

Cain Vineyard & Winery, Cain Five, Napa Valley, 2006, $160
Cain Vineyard & Winery, Cain Five, Napa Valley, 2006, $160

In this deep ruby-colored wine, aromas of lilacs, dried leaves and flint are fully integrated with firm tannins and flavors of strawberries and plums. A wine of power and restraint.

Vallana, Gattinara, 2007, $29
Vallana, Gattinara, 2007, $29

This full-bodied, mature, traditional nebbiolo from northern Piedmont shows clarity, complexity, persistence and the benchmark notes of tar and roses.

R. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, 2004, $44
R. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, 2004, $44

A ruby colored wine that tastes of wild berries from the forest floor laced with vanilla, dried tobacco and smoke. Highly perfumed on the nose, the flavors are harmonious and the texture bright and nimble.

Champagne Henriot, Cuve 38 V2, Blancs de Blancs, NV, $600 (magnum)
Champagne Henriot, Cuve 38 V2, Blancs de Blancs, NV, $600 (magnum)

A fascinating wine made with 100% Grand Cru chardonnay from the last twenty-six vintages. White flowers and minerals mingle with flavors of stone fruit and brioche in this richly textured Champagne. 

Chateau Meylet, Esprit Meylet, St.-Emilion, 2011, $75
Chateau Meylet, Esprit Meylet, St.-Emilion, 2011, $75

This biodynamic wine is a blend of merlot and cabernet franc with flavors of wild blackberries, mint, tobacco and fresh plums. The wine  is generous and silky with firm integrated tannins but still very much in its youth. 

R. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, Rioja Blanco Reserva, 2004, $35
R. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, Rioja Blanco Reserva, 2004, $35

This beguiling golden-hued dry white wine is at once fresh, complex and opulent.  

La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva, 2004, $34
La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva, 2004, $34

A full-bodied tempranillo garnacha blend with notes of plums, blackberries and flint. Its weight is offset by generous acidity and firm tannins. Ample barrel and bottle aging produce a wine that is integrated and showing maturity upon release.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Millésime Brut, 2005
Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Millésime Brut, 2005

A creamy and expansive Champagne with aromas of strawberries and almonds. The wine is delightfully frothy.

Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, $40
Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, $40

Santa Barbara County’s Star Lane Vineyard holds much of its cabernet sauvignon for the Japanese market, which generally prefers aged cabernet in part because it pairs better with their cuisine (umami gathers in wine as it ages). Limited amounts of back vintages are available directly from the winery.

Sicily

/
Sicily Gallery - Life With Wine
Savino, Nero Sichilli Vendicari 2012, $30
Savino, Nero Sichilli Vendicari 2012, $30

A ruby-hued wine with plums and sagebrush on the nose, firm sweet tannins, fruit through the mid-palate, transparency, and a long drying finish.

Planeta, Santa Cecilia, DOC Noto 2010, $24
Planeta, Santa Cecilia, DOC Noto 2010, $24

Concentrated wild cherry flavors and aromas of white flower and bramble are balanced by vibrant acidity and soft tannins in this elegant nero d'avola.

Occhipinti, SP68, Terre Siciliane 2014, $24
Occhipinti, SP68, Terre Siciliane 2014, $24

A blend of frappato and nero d'avola notable for the purity and freshness of its red berry flavors and the scent of wild herbs.

Azienda Agricola COS, Ceralsuolo Di Vittoria 2009, $32
Azienda Agricola COS, Ceralsuolo Di Vittoria 2009, $32

This medium-body red wine speaks of earth and flowers. It brims with vitality, juicy red fruit, and aromas of bergamot.

Poggio Di Bortolone, Frappato, Vittoria 2014, $20
Poggio Di Bortolone, Frappato, Vittoria 2014, $20

An intensely aromatic light red wine, this frappato possesses lifted berry flavors and abundant charm.

Gulfi, Nerosanlore, Nero d'Avola 2009, $40
Gulfi, Nerosanlore, Nero d'Avola 2009, $40

A floral nero d'avola that tastes of its proximity to the sea. The vineyard's old vines produce rich dark fruit, but the stress of sandy soil and scarce rains ensures that the wine retains its vivacity.

Frank Cornelissen, Magma Rosso, Mt. Etna 2013, $217
Frank Cornelissen, Magma Rosso, Mt. Etna 2013, $217

If you love Etna wines, this is one to try at least once in your life.  It's a wine like an epic Russian novel, textured and nuanced, it tosses you into a world of exoticism but never loses its point-of-view.

Terra Delle Sirene, Nero D'Avola, Noto 2012, $17
Terra Delle Sirene, Nero D'Avola, Noto 2012, $17

As delicate and transparent a nero d'avola as you ever will experience, yet there is nothing insubstantial about this wine. It is an essay in the power of a minimalist approach, a perfectly formed haiku.

Benanti Etna Rosso, 2014, $19
Benanti Etna Rosso, 2014, $19

An energetic medium body entry-level wine marked by the scent of garigue, cherry and raspberry flavors, and a pleasing citrus and burnt caramel finish.

Planteta, Moscato Di Noto, 2014, $21
Planteta, Moscato Di Noto, 2014, $21

An appealing dry aperitivo wine with aromas of jasmine and white peach.

Chinon

/
Chinon
Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2002, $35
Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2002, $35

Old-vine cabernet franc grown in chalk and limestone soil, distinguished by dark fruit flavors, pine forest aromas, soft tannins, complexity, delicacy, and remarkable persistence.   

Bernard Baudry, Chinon, “Le Clos Guillot” 2013, $28
Bernard Baudry, Chinon, “Le Clos Guillot” 2013, $28

From a vineyard with clay and limestone soil, a juicy Chinon with meaty and plum flavors, touches of mint, and a mineral core.  

Bernard Baudry, Chinon, “Les Grézeaux” 2013, $28
Bernard Baudry, Chinon, “Les Grézeaux” 2013, $28

Sixty-five-year-old vines planted in gravely soil yield a lush and alluring wine with a broad spectrum of red and dark fruit flavors balanced by generous acidity and tumbling minerals.

Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2012, $27
Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2012, $27

Mouth coating with lovely flavors of berries from the forest floor, this Chinon is rustic at the moment but will soften and open up, offering a glimpse of its future, if decanted an hour before it is served.

Bernard Baudry, Chinon Rosé 2014, $19
Bernard Baudry, Chinon Rosé 2014, $19

Delicately juicy upfront with a bone dry-finish, a terrific rosé with the gentlest imprint of cabernet franc's structure and perfume. 

Catherine & Pierre Breton, Chinon "Beaumont" 2008
Catherine & Pierre Breton, Chinon "Beaumont" 2008

Transparent flavors of plum, cherries and smoke dominate this fetchingly aromatic Chinon. 

Philippe Alliet, Chinon, "L'Huisserie" 2013, $35
Philippe Alliet, Chinon, "L'Huisserie" 2013, $35

Beautifully fresh with bright flavors of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and mint, supported by silky drying tannins. 

Olga Raffault, Chinon, Champs-Chenin, 1993, $52
Olga Raffault, Chinon, Champs-Chenin, 1993, $52

Golden hued with flavors of honey, white flowers and lanolin, the wine has persistence and a rich pleasing finish. 

Charles Joguet, Chinon, "Les Varennes du Grand Clos" 2010 $44
Charles Joguet, Chinon, "Les Varennes du Grand Clos" 2010 $44

A supple Chinon, with dark, meaty flavors, silky texture and a gentle counterpoint of menthol.    

Catherine & Pierre Breton, Chinon "Saint Louans" 2010
Catherine & Pierre Breton, Chinon "Saint Louans" 2010

Grown on 70-year-old vines in clay and limestone soil, this earthy Chinon with aromas of black cherry and tangerine is notable for its transparency and classic structure.

Volnay & Pommard

/
Volnay & Pommard Gallery I Life with Wine
Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay, 2009, $66
Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay, 2009, $66

Clarity and impressive complexity lift this fresh and floral village-level Volnay well above its category. 

Domaine Marquis D'Angerville, Volnay 1er Cru Champans, 2011, $95
Domaine Marquis D'Angerville, Volnay 1er Cru Champans, 2011, $95

At once beguilingly poetic and free of embellishments, this Champans is memorable for its nuanced perfumes, pure red fruit, precision and persistence on the palate. 

Domaine Marquis D'Angerville, Pommard Combes Dessus, 2010, $109
Domaine Marquis D'Angerville, Pommard Combes Dessus, 2010, $109

Dark fruit flavors, transparency and an elegant tannic structure make this wine worth seeking out. It's like a big man who is disarmingly light on his feet. 

Domaine de Courcel, Pommard 1er Cru, Les Fremiers, 2009, $89
Domaine de Courcel, Pommard 1er Cru, Les Fremiers, 2009, $89

In this generous and textured Pommard, dark fruit, forest floor flavors, fine tannins, and ample acidity, render a delicious mouth coating wine that feels neither weighted nor heavy.   

Joseph Drouhin, Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes, 2009, $90
Joseph Drouhin, Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes, 2009, $90

A sumptuous Volnay with violet aromas, rich red fruit, integrated acidity and refined tannins. 

Domaine Henri Boillot, Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets, 2005, $105
Domaine Henri Boillot, Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets, 2005, $105

Aromas of violets mingle with dark fruit flavors and smooth tannins in this pleasing, richly-textured wine.

Domaine Comte Armand, Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux, 2014, $140
Domaine Comte Armand, Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux, 2014, $140

An iconic Pommard noted for its structure and rich red and black fruit. This wine needs a decade in the cellar to integrate before its nuances can come through. 

Domaine Comte Armand, Volnay, 2012, $70
Domaine Comte Armand, Volnay, 2012, $70

Volnay through the lens of a Pommard specialist. Concentrated red and dark fruit along with hints of smoke and mint supported by graceful tannins and ample acidity. 

La Pousse d'Or, Volnay 1er Cru, Clos des 60 Ouvrées, 2008, $80
La Pousse d'Or, Volnay 1er Cru, Clos des 60 Ouvrées, 2008, $80

This luscious Volnay from a monopole near the village is distinguished by dark red fruit flavors, fine tannins and aromas of sweet spice and smoke. 

Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, Meursault Santenots, 2011, $105
Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, Meursault Santenots, 2011, $105

Chardonnay grown in Santenots' marl soil is Meursault. Pinot noir from the same vineyard is Volnay, as in the compelling Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu from Domaine Comtes Lafon. Here this border vineyard yields a pensive and mineral driven Meursault of exceptionally long length. 

Meditation

/
Mediation Gallery - Life With Wine
La Clarté de Haute Brion, Graves, 2013, $99
La Clarté de Haute Brion, Graves, 2013, $99

A beguiling sémillon-based wine that showcases finely wrought aromas of raw honey and ripe melon within a with a firm yet essentially transparent structure. Like a bed of wildflowers within the borders of a formal garden.  

Hatzidakis, Santorini, 2014, $21
Hatzidakis, Santorini, 2014, $21

A benchmark Assyritko. Generous acidity creates a stunning frame for the this full-bodied wine's concentrated citrus and floral flavors.   

Château Thivin, Côte de Brouilly, 2013, $24
Château Thivin, Côte de Brouilly, 2013, $24

Grown on the volcanic blue stone soils of Mont Brouilly, wild cherries, fresh strawberries, white pepper and a touch of garrigue dominate the nose of this delicious mouthwatering wine with a long drying finish.   

Clos Cibonne, Rosé Tradition, Côtes de Provence, 2013, $31
Clos Cibonne, Rosé Tradition, Côtes de Provence, 2013, $31

Imagine the scent of sea air wafting over wild raspberries and Provencal herbs, and you can begin to conjure sipping this iconic rosé made from 90% tibourne, a prized local variety cultivated in vineyards along the coast.   

La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva, 2004, $34
La Rioja Alta, Viña Ardanza Reserva, 2004, $34

A full-bodied tempranillo garnacha blend with notes of plums, blackberries and flint.  Its weight is offset by generous acidity and firm tannins. Ample barrel and bottle aging produce a wine that is integrated and showing maturity upon release.

Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre, 2013, $35
Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre, 2013, $35

Classic Sancerre. 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown in a biodynamic vineyard with flint and chalk soils. Focused, balanced and lively with graceful citrus and stony notes, this wine holds your attention without raising its voice.   

Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2002, $35
Olga Raffault, Chinon, “Les Picasses” 2002, $35

Old-vine cabernet franc grown in chalk and limestone soils, distinguished by dark fruit flavors, pine forest aromas, soft tannins, complexity, delicacy and remarkable persistence.   

Domaine Marquis d’Angerville, Meursault Santenots, 2012, $121
Domaine Marquis d’Angerville, Meursault Santenots, 2012, $121

Meursault from a marl vineyard along the commune's border with Volnay. Rich and nutty with a fruity bouquet and exceptionally long length, this deeply satisfying wine is at once voluptuous and pensive.  

Pierre Péters, Champagne, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $60
Pierre Péters, Champagne, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, $60

A pale gold Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay marked by tiny bubbles, rich texture and aromas of almonds, quince and fresh apples. This effervescent fine wine drinks as if it were a sparkling Grand Cru Chablis.     

Forman, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1984, $70
Forman, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1984, $70

When the natural gifts of the Napa Valley are combined with careful farming, reverence for traditional Bordeaux, and three decades in the cellar, there lays the potential for magic.